People Care What Other People Think

Studies about what people search for on Google versus what they post on social media show a gap in how people want to be seen by others versus what they really think.

Search engine honesty.

People type in honest things in places they want honest answers. In places where they do not feel anonymous, they type in things that will put themselves in a better light.

People care what other people think.

For example, look at what women in the United States are typing into the Internet about their partners.

Stephens-Davidowitz notes that the top five terms women use to describe their husbands on social media are “the best,” “my best friend,” “amazing,” “the greatest” and “so cute.”

When they search anonymously, however, typing “my husband is . . .” into a search box, the top five results are “gay,” “a jerk,” “amazing,” “annoying” and “mean.”

Don’t Compare Your Insides To Other People’s Outsides

People often compare how they feel to how others portray themselves on social media. This is not a fair comparison.

In the 90’s it was the cliche career-soccer-mom talking about how she can do it all, but using sleeping pills and alcohol to sleep at night and caffeine pills all day. In the end, you’re not fooling anyone.

Or in the 80’s with the “keep up with Jones'” attitude and neighbors burying themselves in debt to look like they have the same cool things their neighbor has. You don’t need that riding lawnmower, Karl, you only have 60 square feet of grass.

Remember that if no one watched the Kardashians, then how did they have one of the top televisions shows and video games for the last decade? No one admits they watch it, but a lot of people watch it.

There’s also self-delusion. People will convince themselves of things that aren’t true but improve their self-esteem.

So don’t trust what you see on social media – it’s the tip of the iceberg.